Unstable angina is a form of ACS; stable angina is not.
Stable and unstable angina symptoms may seem similar at the first sign of chest pain.
Other causes includecoronary microvascular dysfunctionandcoronary artery spasm.
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Risk factors for both stable and unstable angina include:
How Is Stable vs. Unstable Angina Treated?
Vasodilatorsare medications that dilate the arteries and veins; they are first-line treatments for both stable and unstable angina.
Nitrates that treat angina improve blood flow by widening coronary arteries (this is also called vasodilation).
Because unstable angina is more serious than stable angina, it requires more aggressive treatment.
Most people with stable angina don’t need surgery.
People with unstable angina usually require an invasive surgical procedure such asangioplastywith stenting to unblock clogged arteries.
Summary
Angina means “chest pain.”
Stable and unstable angina are both because of plaque buildup, which blocks the heart’s blood flow.
Unstable angina is unpredictable and more serious than stable angina.
Strenuous exercise and strong emotions can trigger stable angina.
Sitting down or resting usually relieves stable angina symptoms in less than five minutes.
Unstable angina is a medical emergency that almost always requires surgery to remove the heart’s blockage.
Stable angina doesn’t necessarily require surgery and is primarily treated with medicine and heart-healthy lifestyle changes.
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